Matlock Bridge
A historic crossing in the heart of Derbyshire, offering scenic river views and a gateway to the charming town of Matlock Bath.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Illuminations & fireworks!
Matlock Bridge
Best Time
Illuminations & fireworks!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic crossing in the heart of Derbyshire, offering scenic river views and a gateway to the charming town of Matlock Bath.
"The best photo of Matlock village you can get is from this bridge."
📸 Capture the Bridge Views
The best photos of Matlock village are often taken from the bridges, especially the Jubilee Bridge.
👟 Hike Giddy Edge Safely
This path is challenging; heed the caution signs and wear appropriate footwear for a safe adventure.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Jubilee Bridge
Matlock Bath
A historic Victorian footbridge offering picturesque views of the River Derwent and the charming town.
Giddy Edge
Near Matlock
A thrilling footpath with spectacular views, known for its challenging terrain and caution signage.
River Derwent
Matlock
The lifeblood of the town, offering scenic walks, watersports, and a backdrop to historic bridges.
Matlock Bath Aquarium & Arcade
Matlock Bath
A fun-filled attraction with unique fish and classic arcade games, perfect for a family outing.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Views, Mind the Steps
Timing Your Visit for Charm
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Capture the Bridge Views
The best photos of Matlock village are often taken from the bridges, especially the Jubilee Bridge.
👟 Hike Giddy Edge Safely
This path is challenging; heed the caution signs and wear appropriate footwear for a safe adventure.
🛶 Watersports Fun
Try canoeing or kayaking on the River Derwent for a unique perspective of the area.
🚗 Parking in Matlock Bath
Parking can be busy, especially during events like the Illuminations. Plan ahead!
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture the Bridge Views
The best photos of Matlock village are often taken from the bridges, especially the Jubilee Bridge.
👟 Hike Giddy Edge Safely
This path is challenging; heed the caution signs and wear appropriate footwear for a safe adventure.
🛶 Watersports Fun
Try canoeing or kayaking on the River Derwent for a unique perspective of the area.
🚗 Parking in Matlock Bath
Parking can be busy, especially during events like the Illuminations. Plan ahead!
💧 Flood Preparedness
Be aware of potential flood warnings for the River Derwent, especially during autumn.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Matlock Bridge is celebrated for its picturesque setting and historic charm, offering lovely views of the River Derwent and the surrounding town. Visitors appreciate its accessibility and the quaint atmosphere of Matlock Bath, though some find the area can get very busy during peak events.
"Matlock Bridge, located in the charming town of Matlock in Derbyshire, England, is a picturesque and historic crossing that offers visitors a delightful glimpse into the area's rich heritage. The bridge itself, built in the 19th century, features classic Victorian architecture with elegant stonework and iron detailing, making it a charming focal point along the River Derwent.
Highlights:
Scenic Views: The bridge provides stunning views of the river and surrounding countryside, making it an excellent spot for photography and leisurely walks.
Historic Charm: As a historic structure, it adds character to the town and serves as a reminder of Matlock’s industrial past.
Accessibility: The bridge is easily accessible and connects key parts of the town, making it a convenient starting point for exploring Matlock and its nearby attractions like Heights of Abraham and Hall Leys Park.
Overall Impression:
Matlock Bridge is a lovely, historic feature that enhances the quaint charm of the town. Whether you're interested in history, enjoying scenic vistas, or simply strolling through the town, the bridge is a worthwhile stop that complements the area's natural beauty and cultural experience"
Lou Lou
"The best photo of Matlock village you can get is from this bridge. Most of the shops, cafes and other stuff around this bridge."
UK Photo Journey
"Lovely place to visit, nice scenery, lovely mix of both old and new shops"
KC Hart
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Matlock Bridge is centrally located in Matlock town centre. You can reach Matlock by car via the A6, with parking available nearby.
Yes, Matlock is well-served by public transport. Buses connect to surrounding towns, and the local train station provides access from major cities.
Walking is the best way to experience Matlock's bridges and riverside. Many attractions are within easy walking distance of the town centre.
You can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the River Derwent, crossing various bridges like Jubilee Bridge for different perspectives.
Cycling routes are available in the Peak District, and you can cycle into Matlock. Secure bike parking might be limited in the immediate vicinity of the bridge itself.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Matlock Bridge itself is a public thoroughfare and does not require tickets to cross or view.
Attractions like the Heights of Abraham and Matlock Bath Aquarium have separate admission fees.
Opening hours vary for attractions like the Aquarium and Heights of Abraham. It's best to check their individual websites for the most up-to-date information.
For special events like the Matlock Bath Illuminations, booking in advance is recommended due to high demand.
Yes, walking along the River Derwent, exploring the town centre, and enjoying the scenery around the bridges are all free activities.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy scenic walks, visit the Matlock Bath Aquarium, explore the Heights of Abraham, or try watersports on the River Derwent.
The bridges themselves, especially Jubilee Bridge, offer fantastic vantage points for photographing the river and town.
Yes, Matlock Bath offers family-friendly attractions like the Aquarium and arcade. The riverside walks are also enjoyable for families. +1
Giddy Edge is a well-known challenging footpath offering spectacular views for experienced hikers. High Tor is another option for those seeking a hike.
You might spot various bird species along the riverbanks. The Matlock Bath Aquarium also showcases a variety of aquatic life.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Matlock and Matlock Bath have numerous cafes, pubs, and restaurants offering a range of dining options.
Several cafes along the River Derwent offer pleasant views, perfect for a relaxing break.
You'll find traditional British pub fare, alongside international cuisine options in the town.
Yes, there are many cafes and fish and chip shops that offer more affordable dining choices.
Hall Leys Park and other riverside areas provide lovely spots for a picnic.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise or before sunset, offers beautiful lighting for capturing the bridge and river.
A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the full span of the bridge and surrounding scenery. A tripod can help with low-light conditions.
Experiment with different perspectives from both sides of the river and from the bridge itself.
Drone usage is subject to regulations. Always check local bylaws and airspace restrictions before flying a drone.
Its historic architecture, scenic riverside location, and the charming town backdrop make it a visually appealing subject.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond these attractions, simply walking along the River Derwent and crossing the charming bridges provides a pleasant and engaging experience for children. Consider a ride on the steam train to Matlock for an added touch of nostalgia.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Hikers
The Giddy Edge footpath presents an exciting challenge for experienced hikers seeking stunning Peak District views. Utilize local transport or your own vehicle to access trailheads. Consider downloading offline maps for hiking routes, as mobile signal can be intermittent in some areas.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+2 Experiment with different angles from the riverbanks and the bridge itself to capture the essence of the town. For landscape photographers, the River Derwent and the surrounding wooded gorge provide beautiful natural scenes.
Consider visiting during the 'golden hour' for soft, flattering light. Don't miss Lumsdale Falls for waterfall photography. Remember to pack a wide-angle lens to capture the full scope of the scenery.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Historic Bridges of Matlock
+1 It's a popular spot for photos and a charming crossing. Another significant crossing is the Derwent Bridge, which carries the A6 road and forms part of the Matlock bypass, connecting different parts of the town. These bridges are not just functional crossings; they are integral to Matlock's identity and history. They connect communities, facilitate trade, and provide scenic vantage points for both locals and visitors. The presence of these historic structures adds a layer of charm and character to the town, making them focal points for exploration and photography.
+1Beyond the main bridges, the River Derwent itself is a key feature, historically vital for the Industrial Revolution and now a hub for recreation. Exploring the various smaller bridges and pathways along the river offers a delightful way to experience the natural beauty and historical depth of Matlock.
+1Adventure and Scenery: Hiking in Matlock
Another notable hiking spot is High Tor, offering panoramic vistas and a sense of exploration.
When planning a hike, especially on routes like Giddy Edge, it's crucial to wear appropriate footwear, carry water, and check weather conditions.
Matlock Bath: A Victorian Spa Town Experience
The Matlock Bath Illuminations, a long-standing tradition dating back to 1897, are a major highlight. Held on weekend evenings until late October, they feature illuminated boats and fireworks along the River Derwent, creating a magical atmosphere.
Beyond the specific attractions, simply strolling along the river, enjoying the views from the bridges, and exploring the mix of old and new shops contributes to the delightful atmosphere of Matlock Bath.
+1 It's a place that invites visitors to step back in time and enjoy a classic British seaside-style experience, albeit inland. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit